Pirates Rookies Are Stepping Up at the Perfect Time

Esmerlyn Valdez and Tyler Callihan are giving the Pirates exactly what they need while Spencer Horwitz and Oneil Cruz are sidelined. Alex Stumpf breaks down the power both young hitters have shown, what stands out about their swings and why Pittsburgh’s depth finally looks different from a year ago. Ryan O’Hearn’s two-homer performance helped the Pirates avoid a sweep, but the bigger long-term question is whether Valdez and Callihan can turn this opportunity into permanent roles. With Horwitz and Cruz expected back in July, the next few weeks could reshape the Pirates’ outfield and bench. Chapters: 00:00 The rookie production Pittsburgh lacked in 2025 01:09 Valdez, Callihan and O’Hearn power the Pirates 03:25 What stands out about Callihan’s swing 05:13 Why Valdez’s early power is encouraging 09:40 Injuries create a major opportunity Read Alex Stumpf’s Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.